Employers reported an absence of skilled talent as one of the biggest threats to meeting business goals in 2016. Job seekers who pay attention to what skills and traits employers are trying to find can have a competitive advantage.
“With employers reporting job openings that threaten productivity levels, candidates have an extraordinary opportunity to land their dream job,” said Jim Link, chief human resources officer, Randstad North America, one of the biggest HR services and staffing companies in the US.
The 2016 Workplace Trends Guide by Randstad US reveals how employees can better position themselves for achievement during the job search. Whether you are an active or passive job seeker today, here are the top five considerations:
1. Use a staffing/recruiting company to maximise your opportunities.
As the most efficient method of recruiting both full-time and contract workers, job seekers should take advantage of staffing firms to gain access to a broad range of opportunities freed from charge. Working through a staffing or recruiting firm is usually the best entry point for some of the most desirable employers in the country.
2. Market skills based on desired assets.
As companies move beyond recession recovery and enter growth mode, their ability to recruit great talent is arguably the most vital driver of success and profitability. Do the required research to understand the skills and expertise employers in your industry are trying to find and take every step of the way to market yourself with the job requirements in mind.
3. Use multiple sources to find available positions.
On average, companies surveyed reported that they were currently understaffed by 10 percent with an average of 137 jobs open. Hiring decision makers reported using a broader range of recruiting methods, which include social media, digital networks, and working with local universities and colleges.
4. Not ignoring the importance of work ethic and soft skills.
Decision makers cite work ethics (36 percent) and soft skills (33 percent) as the top two candidate areas missing. Don’t leave any questions in the hiring manager’s mind about your willingness to work hard. During the interview, make eye contact, communicate effectively and demonstrate your ability to adapt to any work environment.
5. Don’t rule out contract work. It takes talent on demand.
More and more workers are choosing contingent or temporary work as the economy includes “on demand” labour. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 40 percent of the US workforce will be dependent by 2020. Sixty-eight percent of companies surveyed believe that a variable workforce model with a mixture of temporary and permanent employees allows for more agility to meet customer demands. . This can mean increased benefits for job seekers, including wider job opportunities, flexible work schedules, and greater earning potential.
For an insider’s perspective on what employers are trying to find and how they scout talent, access the Randstad 2016 Workplace Trends Guide at RandstadUSA.com/workforce360.
By doing your research and taking advantage of opportunities such as working with a staffing company and leveraging your social media connections, you can increase your chances of a successful job search.
Article By: Statepoint Photo Source: (c) Pikselstock – Fotolia.com
